Sephora close US stores for training following SZA racial profiling scandal

Diversity training comes as part of the company’s new campaign We Belong to Something Beautiful which launched last week

Sephora is set to close all its US stores, distribution centres and corporate offices this Wednesday to conduct diversity training for employees.

This news comes after the singer Sza took to social media a few weeks ago to air her grievances against the beauty retail giant after an incident in the Calabasas store when the singer was accused of stealing. “Lmao Sandy Sephora location 614 Calabasas called security to make sure I wasn’t stealing,” she tweeted, “Can a b—h cop her fenty in peace er whut.”

Many on social media cited racial profiling and Sephora was quick to respond, tweeting the singer, “You are a part of the Sephora family, and we are committed to ensuring every member of our community feels welcome and included at our stores.” Rihanna herself also reached out to Sza, sending her a Fenty Beauty gift card.

In light of this incident, many will no doubt feel that this diversity training comes at the right time, although a spokeswoman for Sephora, Emily Shapiro, told Reuters the closures were not “a response to any one event” but part of a broader campaign We Belong to Something Beautiful which launched last week.

The new manifesto, Sephora wrote, “affirms [its] commitment to creating the most inclusive and diverse beauty community, and to being a place where everyone feels welcome.”